Effective Nov. 1, 2016, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and BlueChoice HealthPlan require precertification for nuclear cardiology services through National Imaging Associates (NIA). NIA is an independent company that handles precertification for certain nuclear cardiology services on behalf of BlueCross and BlueChoice. This precertification requirement is only applicable to BlueCross and BlueChoice Exchange members receiving nuclear cardiology services. Review the specific procedures in the utilization matrix.